Quandary Peak Winter Hike Trail Guide
Quandary Peak Winter hike is one of the “easiest” Colorado 14ers to hike with snow. This is a popular hike in the winter because of its relatively low avalanche risk and easy trailhead access, located about 15 minutes outside of Breckenridge, Colorado. The distance to the summit is relatively short, but don’t let the lack of miles fool you, this hike is not a piece of cake, especially in fresh snow.
Quandary Peak Winter Quick Facts
Quandary Peak Winter Rating: ★★★★ (4/5 Stars)
Virtual Trail Guide: Quandary Peak Winter
Distance: 6.5 Miles RT
Elevation Start: 10,817ft
Highest Point: 14,265ft
Total Elevation Gain: 3,400ft
Estimated Time to Complete: 5-7 Hours RT
Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult What does this mean?
Class: Class 1 What does this mean?
Season: Expect Snow November – June
Directions to Quandary Peak
Trailhead: Quandary Peak Trailhead
Getting Here: Quandary Peak is most commonly accessed through the ski town of Breckenridge. Take I-70 to exit 203 and follow this road straight until you reach Breck. Once through the town, continue on for about 8.8 miles until you reach Blue Lakes Road (County Road 850). In the winter, you will want to park at the lot that is located on the right about 50 yards after turning on the road.
Fees: As of 2021, there is an optional fee to hike Quandary Peak. Read more about that information at the link listed below in parking.
Parking: NOTE: As of 2021, parking reservations are now required to hike this 14er during certain times of year, find out more information here. The lot can fit about 20-30 cars and can fill up, especially during weekends, when the weather is nice. There are porta potties at the trailhead but the doors can sometimes be tricky to close. Note: Please respect the neighbors by parking in one of the two lots or along road 851. They do often issue tickets for illegal parking.
Summary
Quandary Peak Camping: During the winter there really are no camping options for this hike. You could camp in your car overnight at the TH, but that is about it.
Dogs: Quandary Peak is dog friendly in the winter as long as your dog is used to cold temperatures for several hours. Note that bringing extra water is often very helpful because dogs can experience effects from altitude as well. Dogs are not required to be leashed, but its probably best due to the amount of people and other dogs on this hike.
Make it a Loop: Quandary Peak is an out and back hike.
Hike Name X Factors: Wind & Snow Levels
When hiking Quandary Peak in the winter, the weather is going to make or break your day. Once you leave the treeline about a mile into the hike, the entire trail to the summit is completely exposed to the elements. Winds have turned around hundreds of hikers on 14ers including this one. Be sure to check the weather before your trip and have the appropriate gear for the hike. Snow is also key on this hike. Often there is a packed down trail which is easy to follow from the car to the summit. However, after a big storm or in the spring when the snow is melting having the proper gear is clutch.
Hike Name Tips: My biggest tip for Quandary Peak in the winter is to prepare for everything. Expect to deal with deep snow, slippery ice and cold/windy conditions. There is nothing worse than having to turn around on a hike because you are not prepared. Worst case you don’t need all the gear in your bag and carry a little extra weight.
Quandary Peak Best Views: It really is hard to go wrong on views for this hike. Once you leave the trees, you will be greeted with amazing views of the Tenmile Range behind you. As you continue up towards the summit, you will be able to see neighboring 13ers and 14ers. Mountain goats have been known to frequent the slopes of Quandary Peak so be sure to keep an eye out. Summit views from this mountain are amazing in almost all directions.
Quandary Peak Winter Hike Route
Gear Needed
- 14er Hiking List
- Hiking Boots
- Dakine Poacher Winter Backpack
- Microspikes or Yaktraks
- Hiking/SkiPoles
- Headlamp
- Gaiters
- Optional: La Sportiva Mountaineering Boots
- Optional: Snowshoes
- Optional: Mountain Axe
- Optional: Ski or Snowboard
- Optional: Avalanche Gear: Beacon, Probe, Shovel
- Optional: Garmin inReach GPS
- Optional: Garmin Fenix Watch
- *Links included in this description might be affiliate links. If you purchase a product or service with the links that I provide I may receive a small commission. There is no additional charge to you.
Quandary Peak Winter Hike
My Trip: February 2021
I had been wanting to hike Quandary Peak for weeks during the winter of 2021 but it was hard to find free time that aligned with good weather. When I hike a popular mountain like this where I can fly the drone, I always try to limit crowds as much as possible. Eventually, I found a great weather window and hit the trail during the afternoon. The hike up was very straight forward following a hard packed snow trail. I was expecting winds to pick up, but they never did.
As the sun began to set, I realized that my timing was going to align perfectly for a summit sunset which I have only had on one other 14er. The sunset was beautiful and I soaked it in as long as my fingers and face could stand since the weather was getting very cold. The hike down was quick and I arrived at the car knowing that I will never forget this day.
